Hummingbirds are beautiful, tiny birds that are a joy to watch as they hover around flowers and feeders. However, what goes in must come out, and hummingbirds produce their fair share of poop! While a bit of hummingbird droppings here and there is no big deal, too much poop accumulating can become an unsightly nuisance. Luckily, hummingbird poop is relatively easy to clean with the right techniques and tools.
Why Do Hummingbirds Poop So Much?
Hummingbirds have incredibly fast metabolisms and must consume massive amounts of energy in the form of nectar each day just to survive. The average hummingbird eats up to half its body weight in nectar daily. All that nectar has to go somewhere, and hummingbirds process it very quickly and expel the waste numerous times per day.
Hummingbirds don’t have a separate urine or solid waste like many other birds. Instead, their poop is basically just the leftover nectar once their bodies have extracted the nutrients. This means their poop is primarily composed of water with some crystalline uric acid and a tiny amount of protein or fat.
The high volume of sugary nectar hummingbirds consume and rapidly excrete is why they produce what seems like excessive poop. While unpleasant for us, frequent elimination is a necessity for these little birds!
Where Does Hummingbird Poop Accumulate?
Hummingbirds tend to poop in mid-flight as they go about their busy days. This means their droppings can end up anywhere! However, there are a few prime locations where hummingbird poop tends to build up:
- On and around hummingbird feeders
- On patio furniture, umbrellas, awnings, or anything located near their feeding areas
- On windows, walls, railings, or anything else they commonly perch on
- Under nests or roosting sites
- On pathways, walkways, or anywhere else with frequent overhead traffic
Basically, if you have hummingbirds nearby, expect to find poop! They aren’t too careful about their aim.
Is Hummingbird Poop Harmful?
While plentiful, hummingbird droppings are not considered hazardous. Here are some key facts about hummingbird poop safety:
- It is not a transmission route for any diseases
- It does not contain any chemicals or toxins
- The uric acid may have a very mild corrosive effect on some materials over time
- It can potentially cause some slippery spots if allowed to accumulate
So while hummingbird poop is not exactly something you want coating your home, it’s also not a major health concern if you happen to touch it or get someplace on your skin. It’s more of a nuisance due to the mess and potential damage if left to build up over long periods.
How Often Should Hummingbird Droppings Be Cleaned?
How frequently you need to clean up hummingbird poop depends on how many of these little birds are frequenting your yard. A few key points:
- Clean feeders at least once per week
- Clean areas under nests/roost sites as needed after birds leave
- Clean walkways, railings, furniture, etc at least every 2-4 weeks
- Clean windows, siding, and other surfaces at least 2-3 times per year
During times of heavy traffic at feeders or nests, or during migration seasons, you may need to clean more frequently. Use your best judgment based on how quickly droppings accumulate and how messy things get.
What’s the Best Way to Clean Hummingbird Poop?
When it comes to removing hummingbird droppings, the most important rule is: don’t use any cleaners containing chemicals or soap! Soap removes the oils from hummingbird feathers, which can cause serious issues for their health. Here are some safe, effective methods:
For Feeders
- Take feeders down and scrub with a bottle brush, mild vinegar solution, or lemon juice mixed with water
- For tough buildup, try letting the feeder soak for 15-30 minutes in the vinegar or lemon solution before scrubbing
- Rinse very thoroughly with plain water afterwards to remove all traces of cleaner
For Perches, Patio Furniture, Railings, etc
- Use a hose, spray bottle, or pressure washer to loosen and rinse away poop outside
- Wipe down with plain water, vinegar solution, or non-soapy cleanser formulated for homes/patio areas
- For really stubborn buildup, cover the area with vinegar or lemon juice and let sit briefly before rinsing
- Wipe thoroughly with plain water when done to prevent any residue being left behind
For Windows, Walls, Siding
- Use a high pressure hose or pressure washer outside if possible
- Indoors, mix 1 cup water, 1 tbsp distilled white vinegar, 1 tbsp corn starch – dip sponge in mixture and wipe onto surface, let sit 5 minutes, then rinse clean with water
- Outside, apply above mixture or plain water, let sit briefly, then rinse away
Avoid using any cleanser or soap containing chemicals, which could be harmful to hummingbirds. Plain water, mild vinegar, lemon juice, or light starch solutions are effective and wildlife-safe.
How to Prevent Buildup
While you can’t stop hummingbirds from pooping, there are some tips to help minimize droppings buildup:
- Site feeders, nests, and favorite perches away from walkways, furniture, etc when possible
- Hang a feeder with a built-in tray or place a tray underneath to catch drips
- Install a chaise cover or umbrella over seating areas
- Apply non-stick gel to railings, eaves, ledges to make poop removal easier
- Prune nearby shrubs or branches to discourage roosting in problematic spots
- Consider placing feeders closer together to concentrate poop in one area
While chore-intensive, spraying down or power washing problem spots at least monthly will also help minimize poop stuck on surfaces.
What About Bird Baths?
Hummingbirds not only poop in flight, they also expel droppings while bathing and preening in bird baths. Here are some tips for keeping baths clean:
- Dump and thoroughly scrub baths at least once weekly
- Use a 50/50 vinegar and water solution or non-soapy cleanser labeled bird safe
- Rinse very thoroughly after cleaning
- Brush baths with a bottle brush or scrubby sponge weekly to remove algae and other buildup
- Dump, clean, and refill bath water daily or every other day depending on use
Providing fresh, clean water is important for hummingbird health. Be diligent about cleaning baths regularly to provide the best environment.
Key Supplies for Cleaning Hummingbird Droppings
Having the right supplies on hand will make cleaning up hummingbird poop much easier. Here are some must-have items:
- Spray bottle for vinegar/water or other cleaning solutions
- Clean sponges, rags, paper towels
- Stiff scrub brushes or bottle brushes
- Protective gloves and eye wear
- Squeegee for windows
- Plain water hose or pressure washer
- Natural, wildlife-safe cleansers
It’s also a great idea to keep a dedicated towel and cleaning rag just for bird related purposes. Switching out supplies between cleaning feeders/baths and indoor surfaces helps prevent any spread of germs or bacteria.
When to Call in a Professional
For most homeowners, hummingbird droppings can be managed through regular light cleaning. However, in some situations professional help may be needed:
- Cleaning high locations like roof peaks, second story eaves, etc
- Pressure washing a heavily soiled exterior
- Using a lift for tall trees/surfaces difficult to reach
- Removing poop that has damaged surfaces due to long term buildup
- Major nest removal and cleaning after birds fledge (especially if nests have mites)
Safety should always come first, so don’t risk injury trying to clean hard to reach areas. Professionals have tools, lifts, and techniques to access problem spots safely and effectively.
Conclusion
While plentiful, cleaning up after hummingbirds doesn’t have to be a huge hassle. By cleaning frequently, using safe methods and supplies, and taking some precautionary steps, homeowners can easily stay on top of hummingbird poop. Enjoy your aerial acrobats and rest assured the cleanup is quick and painless with the right approach!
